Hi. I wasn't lying about the internet part. I've been job searching...and net-flixing. Possibly in my underwear...but that's not important. When you're in a style rut or you're not dressed for days, you either want to get all dolled up or be comfortable. I went for comfort. Here is what I wore to church today.

I wore my DIY skirt that I made with Tania's tutorial and paired it with Tania's cardigan. I guess you could say this outfit was inspired by Tania. I thought the ruffle neckline on my shirt added just enough detail to make it interesting but not overwhelming. I followed with the almost-matching camel accessories to complement the maroon skirt.

This cardigan hits right above my hips. With the skirt placed at my natural waist, I didn't want the cardigan to hide the smallest part of my body and create a box shape. I also don't have any cropped cardigans so I had to cut it or tuck it in. Answer: I tucked. Don't hide your waist! Flaunt and flatter the smallest part of your body by cinching it to avoid looking one-dimensional.

Don't forget to enter my most recent giveaway to win a headband or a set of hair pins!!

I'm sure you were unaware of this, but I am still very much in the honeymoon stage regarding my striped shirt, quilted purse, and sequin flats. It's all I've been wearing lately...in different and not-so-original ways...so maybe it is a good thing I don't have internet. We are getting it installed tomorrow night. Expect different and not-so-original outfit posts soon.

I still love stripes and florals together though it seems this trend has died down a bit. It is one of the easiest mix-and-match print combos ever. Everyone has at least one clothing item that is striped and one item that is exploding with flowers. If not, you are in a sore predicament. What I love about this outfit is that there's a little volume in the shoulders from the ruched sleeves and volume in the skirt to create a more defined hour-glass shape.

Despite my past endeavor in trying knee-length shorts, I didn't want it to be a one-time thing since I'm all about modesty or something. Here are three more looks with my mom-shorts:

I paired my gray shorts with my yellow striped top. I always thought gray and yellow looked great together. Then I added my blue sequin flats...because blue and yellow go together too. At the last minute, I threw on my pearl necklaces that you can't see here but I really am wearing them.

That sweet husband of mine sure knows how to capture me at my prettiest. This is my favorite look of the three. The trick is to make sure the shirt is fitted to offset the loose shorts. I could have rolled up my sleeves but I thought with that and the shorts rolled up would make me look like I was on Gilligan's Island. I added some black and gold to the mix to make it a classic look.

Tips

Try shorts with a looser fit and roll up the hems.

Wear fitted tops.

Make it feminine - I added necklaces and sequins. Make sure your necklaces complement the neckline of your top too. For instance, you don't want to wear a choker necklace with a top with a low neckline. Or if you do, that's cool.

Pair your shorts with complementary colors...especially if you don't want the focus to be on your bottom half. Need some help? Try Academichic's color wheel for starters.

We all have certain rules we follow when we get dressed. For me one of those rules is to have my belt match exactly with my shoes if there is enough going on in my outfit or if the base is boring, the belt must be completely different and unexpected. What are some rules you follow? And when do you break them?

Another rule I like to follow is if it's going to be casual, it's going to be casual; if it's dressy, it's going to be dressy...although I've been doing well with mixing and matching these elements together. I have to say this is one of my most extremes. I know. I'm so wild. I still had blue and orange on my mind while picking out this outfit. I had a hard time figuring out what belt and shoes to wear. In my mind, this belt looked the best with my chambray shirt. Following the rule I stated above, I had to pair it with my brown wedges. Normally, I wouldn't wear orange and brown together. I like how it turned out though. It's different and unexpected for me.

We went garage saleing early in the morn and this was not what I wore. I wish I rolled out of bed looking like this. It's so simple but it took me a few hours of obsessing over what I was wearing to GARAGE SALES to come up with this afterwards. Creativity comes in all forms...like obsession...or trial-and-error. Whatever. Same thing.

I originally wore a black v-neck from Gap instead of this striped top. It is one of those whisper-thin tees that suddenly stretch out to be twice your size. I took the sides in to make it more fitted but my efforts were futile. It has been honorably inducted into my lounging-at-home clothes pile.

After I changed, I didn't have to think twice about what I was wearing. Stripes, puffed sleeves, sequins, quilted bag? Tell me that is not the combination of AWESOME. Plus, I used Tania's easy-peasy messy bun tutorial. I love it. I'm a convert.

First time getting dressed this week! I need an award. I don't like getting dressed when there's no where to go...and nowhere have I gone. So I've been living in t-shirts and leggings. Yes, the same ones all week. You think I'm kidding...

I found these blue sequin flats the other day while I was at Ross. It was the last one in my size again. Sequins are ruining me. Next thing you know, I'll be buying sequin pants. (Actually, I have been wanting some... Don't judge.)

I needed a no-fuss and easy outfit today just to run to the thrift stores to check their furniture selections. A dress is always the answer for me. I couldn't resist pairing orange and blue together again. During the pink flower necklace giveaway, Meg mentioned she'd also use the necklace as a belt. I kept that in mind today when I was looking for a fun accessory to go with this dress. I didn't want a skinny belt - it wasn't enough for me. I didn't want to wear any jewelry - it would defeat the point of the no-fuss outfit. So why not do both??

I'm so pleased to introduce to you my newest sponsor, DownEast Home & Clothing. I always make an effort to stop by their clothing store DownEast Basics because I really like their modest clothes and aesthetic. Not only do they offer stylish clothing, but they also carry home furnishings and accessories for ridiculously low prices. They've just launched a new blog to DownEast that will give you the latest in home decorating trends, great ideas for entertaining, and new ways to make your home look fabulous while staying on a budget. I definitely need help in this category since my husband and I will be moving into our teeny tiny L.A. studio apartment in a couple of weeks.

Right now, they are offering one lucky reader a $1,000 shopping spree! This is only for the DownEast Home & Clothing stores and not redeemable online. All you have to do is go to their blog and leave a comment by September 6th. For another entry, like their Facebook page and leave a comment letting them know you did so. I entered too. Hey, it can't hurt to try!!

During the length of their giveaway, DownEast has a special promotion going on for this cute bistro set on the left for $69.99. It was originally $299. What in the what?? That is a killer deal - $130 back in your pocket right there. It is available at any DownEast Home & Clothing store.

Please say hello to my newest sponsor, Lipo in a Box! I know what you're thinking - why did this beautiful petite Korean woman agree to be sponsored by a shapewear company? Well, just so you know, Lipo in a Box isn't just one brand.... It is really three! - Lipo in a Box, Go2 Bras, and Underology Skin Care. But that still doesn't answer your question. Let's just say what you see on this blog doesn't show all my little bumps and lumps because I mask them so perfectly, you see.

Lipo in a Box have basically been featured in every way possible - QVC, Glamour Magazine, MORE, First for Women, "O" Magazine, The TODAY Show, The EARLY Show, The VIEW, and the OPRAH Winfrey Show. (Um, can someone tell me how I can get my blog on all these?!?) They are being featured in InStyle Magazine this month so watch out for that. These products have also been featured twice as New York Times best sellers by former fashion editor for Glamour Magazine, Charla Krupp, as "How Not to Look Old" and "How to Never Look Fat Again." And come on... If you've been watching TV or reading magazines for the past 10 years, you know the world is trying to figure out these secrets. I'm not waiting until I start getting wrinkles and my metabolism collapses on itself. I'm preparing myself now!!

Review

Even if you're petite like me, you'll probably have a few problem areas. For me, that is my tummy. No matter what I do, I have a little pooch...even when I haven't eaten yet. (No, I'm not pregnant.) When I put the high waist brief with legs on, the first thing I noticed was my pooch was gone!! And then I ate French toast and bacon. Right after I ate, I looked down to evaluate the aftermath. You guessed it - still no pooch!!! You know we are all supposed to hold in our abs and stomach all the time, right? Well, I don't - I let it all loose. This shapewear just answered your problem. You're welcome.

Sorry, no review pics for the shapewear. Trust me, you don't wanna see me that vulnerable. Instead, check out this video that explains it better than I ever could.

I have very sensitive and combination skin and develop allergic reactions after a year's use so even if I think something works, I always have to watch for new products to try, just in case. A lot of moisturizers I've tried either don't moisturize my face enough or they give me oily skin because it's too severe for me. After applying the serum during my morning routine, I found that it moisturized my dry areas and controlled my oily T-zone throughout the day. This is definitely a keeper. Tinted moisturizers was something I've always wanted to work for me. It would be so easy just to put it on and not have to apply more foundation and concealer but my face just won't let me. I have red splotchy areas from past acne scars, current pimples, and around my eyes and nose. It didn't cover the bigger red areas but it did give me an even application before applying my makeup.

Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Lipo in a Box!

Each entry must be in a separate comment because I will determine the winner by giving each entry a number and use random.org to select the winning number. I'm sorry to my international friends but only U.S. residents can enter.

Mandatory entry:

Go to Lipo in a Box and tell me what you'd purchase with your gift certificate and leave your email if it's not already included in your Google profile. If you don't do this entry first, all your entries will be deleted!

When I first saw this top at H&M I wanted it. But right when I got to the register, I noticed a smudge. I decided to wait until next time to purchase it. While we were out shopping a couple days ago, I found it again. I purchased it. I took it home and tried it on. Then I noticed a TEAR...a HOLE. After I cried a little, my MIL fixed it for me. It is perfect. You can't even see it. I lucked out with my MIL. Good luck with yours.

Tulle sent me this cute skirt a few days ago. I immediately fell in love with its color and the fabric quality. This is definitely going to be in my closet for a long time before it turns into rags. I love that this is one of my true high-waist skirts - no extra belting needed. I knew I wanted to pair it with my new (and fixed) striped shirt and my Seychelles. I like that it looks a bit Anthro. This isn't my usual simple classic style but I like that I mixed statement pieces together.